But where were the local Labour councillors? What is their position on academisation?

It's been reported that Labour councillors have voted in support of academies at local constituency Labour Party meetings. Newham is in the middle of selecting councillors for the 3 May council elections.

If a new round of pro-academy Blairite councillors are selected, then campaigners may feel there is no choice but to stand against them in May to stop the tide of academies and austerity in Newham.